Silver Pen letter: Hospitals should be better equipped for privacy

I’m writing on behalf of my husband, who passed away a few months ago. I promised him I would follow up on our concern of how the treatment rooms of the local hospitals are set up.

I realized there are HIPAA laws and we never understood how someone 3 feet away from the person sitting next to an individual receiving treatment can be asked their name and date of birth, with everyone in the room being able to hear. I understand there are people who like to socialize during this time but it should be respected that not everyone feels that way.

In speaking to more people who have experienced this setting, more would prefer privacy and maybe that’s something that should be offered to those who would like it.

Cancer is a horrible disease and, during a time when you may be suffering hair loss, weight loss and many other physical changes, I feel dignity should never have to be sacrificed by lack of privacy. Hospitals are always adding on or remodeling and I wish someone would consider this factor in their design.

There were times when patients had to sit in a regular chair at the nurses’ station to start chemo until one of the recliners became available for them. It just seems better organization and design might help anyone who may be put into this unfortunate situation. When you’re scheduled for six hours weekly of chemotherapy, this can create a very uncomfortable situation that I think could be greatly improved on.

These concerns will no longer help my husband, but it may help someone you know or love and that’s all he wanted.

Evelyn Van Dyke,

Kaukauna

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